CHAPTER XLIX
RAILROAD.

A RAILROAD should extend through the cellar or basement, from a point directly under one side of the kitchen, and pass to each extremity of the hospital. It should also go to the building in the rear of the centre or other selected locality, and in which are the laundry, bakery, etc. The car or cars on this road should be so constructed as to carry all kinds of food, to run smoothly, and to turn short curves without jarring.

The food, after being prepared in the kitchen, and put while hot in tightly closed bright tin vessels or boxes, should be placed on a railroad car, which must be of sufficient size to carry what is required for one side of the house, and which is brought to a point adjoining the kitchen. When filled, this car runs upon the railroad below, which extends along one side of the cellar or basement from under the kitchen to the extreme wings on either side, and which passes in its course the bottom of each of the dumb waiters. By these means the food is delivered promptly and hot to every part of the house, and is kept so during meals, by the steam tables which are a part of the fixtures of every dining room. In this way, the food for one side of the hospital can be delivered in all the dining rooms in ten minutes, or twenty minutes for the whole house. The refuse from the different dining rooms is in like manner to be sent down in closed tin vessels, and carried away by the railroad. Each ward should have a bell and a speaking tube or telephone, connected to the kitchen or other suitable part of the basement, by means of which whatever articles are required, may be called for without the attendants ever leaving the ward for any thing from the kitchen, into which they should not be admitted.

In the dining room of each ward should be a small gas stove, by which articles can be warmed, or preperations for the sick made at all hours.

This railroad is also used to convey clothing, etc., to and from the laundry, and to carry all other articles which it is desired to move from one side of the building to the other.